Vanuatu marks 34 years of independence

A series of celebrations were held around Vanuatu yesterday to mark the country's 34th anniversary of independence from Britain and France.

All six provinces had public events to celebrate the anniversary.

A large crowd turned out at Independence Park in the capital Port Vila and heard the Prime Minister Joe Natuman's speech, calling for the revival of the original vision of the country's founding fathers.

Mr Natuman said the country's struggle for freedom from colonial rule must be continued in its bid to be self-reliant.

The Prime Minister also called for ni-Vanuatu respect for the preamble of the country's constitution which states that the country is built on Melanesian Values and Christian Principles.